The Dutch Maintenance Society (NVDO), a founding member of the European Federation of National Maintenance Societies (EFNMS), has been a key force in shaping the European maintenance industry for 50 years. As an active member of three EFNMS committees and the General Assembly, NVDO leads efforts that promote innovation and professional growth throughout the sector.

Just as modern healthcare has shifted from treating illnesses to preventing them, Kemira is revolutionizing industrial maintenance by treating its rotating assets like a population of patients. The secret? Treating equipment failure is not as inevitable, but as entirely preventable.

Rail freight transport is undergoing a major transformation, driven by significant investments in the digitalisation of operations.

Industrial robotics is experiencing a transformative shift, driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation technologies. No longer confined to repetitive assembly tasks, robots have become central to the future of manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and industrial maintenance. As companies demand greater efficiency, precision, and adaptability, robotics is evolving from a supportive tool to a strategic asset.

The concept of the digital twin has matured. What began as a passive mirror of physical systems has evolved into a strategic, intelligent asset, capable of sensemaking, foresight, and context-driven adaptation. This article explores how digital twins have advanced through successive generations, why physics-based modelling is now essential, and how hybrid approaches like Physics-Informed Neural Networks offer the key to navigating unpredictable, high-risk scenarios—the so-called Black Swan events.

Nordzucker AG, one of Europe’s leading sugar producers, is undergoing a major digital and cultural transformation in maintenance operations across its 13 European factories—with Nordic Sugar Nakskov, member of Nordzucker Group in Denmark leading the charge.

The increasing usage of advanced automation technology and artificial intelligence is a primary driver of this sector’s growth.

Europe’s industrial manufacturers are caught in a bind. Profitability is slipping, productivity has plateaued, and traditional cost-saving levers have lost their edge. But now, Generative AI is emerging as more than a technological trend—it’s fast becoming a strategy for turning the sector’s fortunes around. This became evident in a study, conducted by Strategy& in partnership with VDMA Software and Digitalization, and presented at Hannover Messe in March 2025.

Industrial maintenance has traditionally been reactive—fixing broken pumps,stalled belts, or unplanned shutdowns. But that’s changing quickly. According to the AI-Based Predictive Maintenance Market Report 2025–2030 by Research and Markets, global spending on AI-powered maintenance tools is expected to grow from USD 939.73 million in 2025 to USD 1.69 billion by 2030.

The term ”Industry 4.0” often emerges in conversations about the future of manufacturing. Industry 4.0 is not merely technological upgrade; it’s a fundamental transformation in how factories operate.

Uncertainty is the new normal. President Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy is not just a trade policy—it’s a global shockwave. Companies that move quickly to understand and manage the macroeconomic impacts will be better prepared to weather the volatility and protect competitiveness. Those that wait for clarity may fall behind.

While global attention is focused on the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and the changes in international trade rules, a crisis is unfolding in the background—one that threatens the very foundations of our economy and civilization: the climate crisis.

Jesh Ramesh realised during his Master’s degree studies that the tools available to maintenance teams were outdated and inadequate. He was determined to find a better way.